Behaviorism in Practice:

After exploring this week’s resources I have begun to understand how Behaviorism and technology instruction are similar in many ways and how they can be used together to aid students learning. According to Pitler, Hubbell, Kuhn & Malenoski, “the instructional strategy of reinforcing effort enhances students’ understanding of the relationship between effort and achievement by addressing their attitudes and beliefs about learning” (2009). They offer and describe several recommendations for the use of technology to track effort, to reinforce content, and homework and practice in the classroom. The Behaviorism Learning Theory tells us that learning is determined by the environment either through association or reinforcement. I feel that there is a correlation between behaviorist learning theory and technology tools. Although behaviorism is criticized all the time, it seems that today behaviorism is still being used in the 21st century classroom. Many classrooms are using behaviorism-based technology instructional tools that are based on behaviorist learning ideas. Although I think that drill and practice, remediation, and traditional tutorial programs have a place in the classroom in certain situations, I believe that technology applications could be more effective and appropriate when used during instruction. Dr. Orey tells us “that technology is most effective when remediation activities are kept to a minimum” (Laureate Education, 2009). I do feel that there are instructional situations when behaviorist technology applications are appropriate and effective.

Laureate Education, Inc. (Producer). 2009. Behaviorist Learning Theory [Motion picture]. Bridging Learning Theory, Instruction, and Technology. Baltimore: Author

Pitler, H., Hubbell, E., Kuhn, M., & Malenoski, K. (2007). Using Technology with Classroom Instruction that Works. Alexandria, VA: ASCD